“Choose Between US and Iran”: US Treasury Secretary Warns Allies
WASHINGTON: US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has delivered a blunt message to allied nations, saying they must now choose between the United States and Iran.In a media interview, Bessent said the time has come for the world to decide whose side it wants to be on. He argued that if allies want to see the…
WASHINGTON: US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has delivered a blunt message to allied nations, saying they must now choose between the United States and Iran.
In a media interview, Bessent said the time has come for the world to decide whose side it wants to be on. He argued that if allies want to see the end of what he called Iran’s “murderous regime,” they must stand with the United States.
He announced that the harshest sanctions in history would be imposed on Iran, along with strict legal action against anyone conducting transactions with Tehran. The goal, he said, is to completely cripple Iran’s economy and limit its ability to fund and empower its proxies. He also confirmed that a naval blockade against Iran remains in place, with regime change as the policy’s core objective.
Bessent specifically called on China to fully cooperate with Washington’s economic campaign against Iran, warning that countries continuing business ties with Tehran could face severe US sanctions.
Separately, US Vice President JD Vance said the US has entered a new phase in its confrontation with Iran, one where economic pressure has become the most effective tool for achieving Washington’s objectives. His remarks came as the Trump administration tightened sanctions further while diplomatic efforts remain stalled.
China, however, rejected sanctions and pressure as a solution. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said all parties should resolve the dispute through political and diplomatic means rather than pressure tactics.
